Coventry Chairmaker Sitting Pretty After Support

A leading business organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has provided strategic support to a high-quality chairmakers business, whose customers include the Queen and high-street retail giants.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub (CWLEP Growth Hub) has opened new doors for Sitting Firm Chairmakers at The Old Saw Mill in Harvest Hill Lane, Coventry.

Jaymie Thakordas, account manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub which acts as a free, single point of contact for information, advice and support for growing businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire, said the decision by Dave Green, master-craftsman and managing director at Sitting Firm Chairmakers, has led to a new client base.

She said: “We looked at the root issues of the business and dissected it piece by piece to give strategic support.

“Dave was open to change and he now feels more confident in front of clients. I went with him on various client visits and helped him to sell himself and the business and that has led to £250,000 being added to their bottom line.

“We brought in a lean expert from the Manufacturing Growth Programme to assess the production processes and changes have made been made to fulfil their orders in a more productive way.

“We also helped Dave to apply for a grant for software for a new CNC six-axis machine to utilise different programmes to create new products which has led to new customers.

“By providing mentoring to Dave, we have helped him to achieve the growth they were seeking by taking a different approach to attract a more profitable client base.”

Dave said the business, which employs 20 people, was the largest chairmakers in the UK and its clients included Her Majesty the Queen, John Lewis, Heal’s, The Conran Shop, French restaurant Brasserie Blanc, 10 Downing Street as well as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

He said: “We have gained an enviable reputation for producing fine quality, traditional Windsor chairs and we mainly make chairs for the trade. Fifteen per cent of our chairs are exported to America, Japan and Europe.

“We realised we need to invest in our future growth and after meeting the CWLEP Growth Hub at an event, it gave us the impetus we needed to start to lay the foundations to enable the business to expand.”

Jaymie also put Dave in touch with chartered accountants and business advisors Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O), which has offices in Coventry and Leamington.

Wayne Gutteridge, a director at HB&O, said he was working with Dave and his support team to put its constantly evolving business plan into action.

He said: “We have monthly meetings which is really important because it gives both parties the opportunity to go through the business plan to ensure we are providing advice on a wide range of matters ranging from Research and Design tax credits to cash flow.

“Sitting Firm Chairmakers is an innovative business which is a leader in its specialist field and the work we are doing will help them to attract new clients.”

Caption: From the left, Dave Green (Sitting Firm Chairmakers), Wayne Gutteridge (HB&O) and Jaymie Thakordas (CWLEP Growth Hub)

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,